HealthJuly 15, 2026

machismo

/mɑːˈtʃiːzmoʊ/

Definition

A social and cultural ideology emphasizing traditional, rigid expectations of masculinity, which often includes dominance and the rejection of behaviors or identities that deviate from these norms.

Etymology

Derived from the Spanish word 'macho,' meaning male or masculine, with the suffix '-ismo' used to denote a doctrine or ideology. It entered English in the 20th century to describe the specific cultural concept of aggressive or exaggerated masculine pride.

In the news

In the article, machismo is identified as a primary driver of family rejection for queer Latino youth, contributing to the pressure they feel to hide their identities. It functions as a rigid social expectation that complicates the coming-out process for these individuals.

Latino queer youth are facing a unique mental health crisis: Chicagoans are fighting to reach them

Read the full article ↗

Windy City Times

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